** Indicates rolling admission application process. Applicants will be immediately notified of acceptance into this program and be able to complete post-decision materials prior to the term's application deadline.

USD STUDY ABROAD Direct Programs

Wolfsburg, Germany

Ostfalia University of Applied Sciences in Wolfsburg, Germany is one of the largest universites in Lower Saxony. Wolfsburg is the home of Volkswagen and is conveniently located only 1 hour from Berlin and 2 hours from Hamburg. Ostfalia University offers an extensive menu of classes in German as well as an international business core of classes offered entirely in English.

The city of Wolfsburg was founded in 1938 and is famous for being the international headquarters of Volkswagen. Since the fall of the Berlin Wall, it has become a modern industrial city with considerable economic power. Wolfsburg boasts the Autostadt, which is an open air museum dedicated to automobiles as well as a planetarium and the largest hands-on science museum in Germany.

Access to the rest of Germany, including Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Frankfurt, and all points in-between, is easily accomplished from the local train station. Germany has much to offer students, including touring the picturesque towns of Bavaria, enjoying the annual Oktoberfest, gazing at the magnificent Cologne Cathedral, or touring around the historic and modern sites of Berlin.

Ostfalia University of Applied Sciences has a focus on teaching professional skills and the application of learning materials as opposed to research based materials. Most USD students choose to participate in the International Business program offered by Ostfalia University. This program offers students the opportunity to take business, marketing, and economics courses taught in English. Students are now able to participate in the International Business program for either the spring semester or full academic year.

Universities in Germany approach academics in a very different way than in the United States. Students may not receive a syllabus and, if they do, it will not contain the same amount of detail provided in USD syllabi. Students are expected to pursue more independent study outside of the classroom while still continuing preparation for final exams. This course layout allows students the opportunity to pursue personal academic interests within the context of the course without having the additional reading and writing assignments typically found within the American higher educational system. Students’ grades will typically be only based on a final exam.

"Beyond my work experience at the US Embassy Madrid, I was able to use my weekends to travel both within Spain and internationally, as well. I visited Seville, Spain; Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Valencia, Spain; Benidorm, Spain; and Frankfurt, Germany during my time.” -Lucia Carlson 2014

"My experience abroad was the greatest experience of my life. Being suddenly dropped in a country where I didn't speak the language was thrilling. I loved every second of my semester, and I can't wait to go back soon... Why not gain the experience every employer looks for while having the greatest experience of your life!” -Rachel Mihulka 2013

"Studying abroad and living with a host-family in a foreign country gives students an entirely new perspective and appreciation for other people and cultures around the world.” -Michael Doering 2014

"I tried to come up with a quote to accurately sum up my study abroad experience but established I couldn't. I realized that trying to pick just one excerpt out of the semester of a lifetime is like trying to count the stars. No matter how hard you try you will always get lost in its vast beauty and wonder.” -Olivia Moede 2013

"Going abroad was everything I expected and much more. I did not expect this experience to affect me as positively as it did.” -Erica Moore 2014

"This was an amazing [study abroad] trip, one that every college student must do or at least put on their to do list because you never know when you will get the chance to go to a new exotic place and put yourself in the locals shoes and learn about their ways and how they affect your own being.” -Nickie Luhmann 2014

While at Ostfalia University, USD students will have access to the full range of student organizations, clubs, wellness center, and other student-oriented services. Students will receive a local student ID, which will allow them to access to the local movie theater, arenas, and clubs.

Most USD students choose to live in on-campus accommodation, which typically includes a private bedroom and shared kitchen facilities and common living areas. USD students may live with other international students or local German students. Students will have access to inexpensive student cafeterias on campus; the university does not offer meal plans.

Wolfsburg is a USD Direct program, which means students will continue to pay USD tuition and fees. Students will continue to receive any federal financial aid (with the exception of federal work/study) and most USD scholarships (Coyote Commitment, Mickelson, Presidential-Alumni, SD Opportunity, and Ullyot).

Students will pay for housing upon arrival in Germany. For all guest students who are Non-EU citizens the International Students Office will take out a German health insurance (approx. 80 Euro/month).

USD students must complete the Global Learning application before being nominated to attend Ostfalia University. Students will work in conjunction with overseas staff to coordinate their arrival in Germany, course registration, and housing.

This program is offered on a semester or academic year basis; there are no summer programs available. The English-language program is now offered for both fall and spring semesters; students may also choose to go for the entire academic year.

STA Travel: e-mail theworld@usd.edu to talk over flight options with an advisor* Book now pay later with STA Travel’s Airfare Deposit Program. A $300 deposit will guarantee your flight with full payment due 7 days before your flight. On financial aid? You may qualify for special extended payment terms.** Make a study abroad appointment today and receive a $25.00 flight voucher good for any STA Travel purchase!